Attacked at sea: Search on for missing fishermen

Conservation group Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) says a search is on for fishermen who were thrown from their boats while at sea after they were attacked and robbed of their boats and engines.

The group said in a statement issued Tuesday morning that the incident took place on Monday night while the fishermen were in the Gulf of Paria in the vicinity of Carli Bay and Orange Valley, around midnight.

The group said that several fishermen who were on board the vessels were thrown overboard and several are still missing.

The group said one man has since arrived ashore and is helping police with the investigation, and that five engines were since recovered.

The group said that a Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard vessel said it 'did not have the capacity' after attempting a search.

"Earlier this morning the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) responded and deployed a single vessel to search for the missing men. After making a long journey to Carli Bay, the TTCG vessel returned to the Chaguaramas Base because according to the Coast Guard, “It did not have the capacity”."

The group is asking the public to be on the lookout for suspicious activity on the coastlines and on the beaches.

"Seafarers are asked to be on the lookout for the missing seamen and for any suspicious activity," the group said.

The identification details for the stolen vessels are:

- TFCA 1099 ‘Bula’- White with blue bottom

- TFCA 1238 ‘Sunshine’- White with blue bottom

- TFCA 2784 ‘Aaron’ – White with black bottom

- TFCA 1343 – the boat was retrieved, but the engine was stolen.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the TTCG on 634-4440 the Couva Police Station 636-2333, or FFOS on 355-7672.

Uo to midday Tuesday, the TTCG said it was aware of the incident and would update further in due course.

Get the latest local and international news straight to your mobile phone for free: